Reds Offense Missing Again: Nick Lodolo Exits After Scary Comebacker vs Brewers, Bengals Offense

The Cincinnati Reds’ offensive struggles continued Tuesday night as they dropped a 2-0 decision to the Milwaukee Brewers at Great American Ball Park, managing just two hits for the second consecutive game. The loss spoiled what had been shaping up as one of Nick Lodolo’s sharpest outings of the season before an unfortunate injury scare changed the complexion of the game.

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Lodolo was dominant early, holding Milwaukee hitless through the first three innings while striking out six batters. The turning point came in the fourth inning when Brewers outfielder Jackson Chourio drilled a 107.6 mph comebacker that struck Lodolo on his pitching arm and wrist area. Trainers and manager Terry Francona quickly checked on the left-hander, who remained in the game despite obvious discomfort. He battled through the inning, escaping a bases-loaded jam and keeping the Brewers off the scoreboard.

However, Lodolo’s night ended after four scoreless innings. He was diagnosed with a left wrist contusion, though postgame X-rays came back negative. The Reds were encouraged by the initial results, and Lodolo expressed optimism that he would be able to make his next scheduled start.

Once Lodolo exited, Cincinnati’s bullpen kept the game close but couldn’t completely shut down Milwaukee. Rookie Julian Garcia, making his major league debut, allowed the game’s first run in the sixth inning when Jake Bauers delivered an RBI triple. The Brewers added an insurance run in the eighth on Andrew Vaughn’s sacrifice fly.

The Reds never mounted much of an offensive threat against Brewers starter Brandon Sproat and Milwaukee’s bullpen. Sproat carried a no-hit bid into the sixth inning, finishing with 10 strikeouts over six dominant innings. Cincinnati’s only hits came from Jose Trevino and Nathaniel Lowe as the club was shut out for the second straight night.

For the Reds, the biggest concern after another frustrating defeat was Lodolo’s health. Given how well he was pitching before the comebacker, avoiding a serious injury may prove more important than the final score.

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